Benefits of Magic Clubs

I joined the International Brotherhood of Magicians in 1975. In the area that I lived, magicians were few and far between. There was no internet and video was just showing up. I remember being tremendously excited waiting for my copy of Expert Card Technique to arrive- it seemed like months. Finally it came. I sought out every opportunity to meet magicians and many times it wasn't pleasant. I was introduced to the huge egos, the quirky fanaticism and sometimes just downright arrogance of people, who in any other line of work, would have been fired immediately and given personality transplants.

But I stuck with it. My time in college in Denver was a happy time magically, getting to meet and become friends with some of the most innovative magicians in the country. What are the benefits of a magic club and why should you join?

Firstly, I believe you'll be a richer person for it. Magicians usually fall into two categories. The first is those who perform but do not create their own tricks. Some are curmudgeons and just downright poor at what they do. Then there are those who like many singers, don't write their own songs, but sing well. These magicians are great guys and gals who love magic but don't do it full time. They participate in the clubs because they love magic. And they love watching people's reaction who love magic. There are also those folks who have a rich memory of the magicians from yesteryear that can make your magic experience fuller and more developed.

Secondly, I think that ultimately the human perspective is better than a cold book or video. Those can teach you how to do a trick, but they won't give you the benefit of the contact with a person who knows the exact placement of a finger for a move. And they're genuinely interested in you.

Thirdly, organizations like the SAM or IBM have endowment funds which is their pledge to be financially committed to the members and associated artists who, in a time of trouble, can draw upon those resources. How many book clubs are willing to do that for you?